Residential Safety Checklist

Residential Safety Checklist

√ Outlets: Check for loose-fitting plugs which can overheat; replace missing or broken wall plates; make sure that there are safety covers on unused outlets within a child’s reach.

√ Cords: Make sure that no cords are cracked or frayed; keep out of traffic areas; do not nail or staple to walls, baseboards, or any other object; do not place under carpets or rest furniture on them.

√ Extension Cords: Check to see that cords are not overloaded; use on temporary basis only; make sure extension cords have safety closures to prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.

√ Plugs: Plugs must fit outlets; never remove the third prong; never force plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit; plugs should fit securely into outlets.

√ Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred and interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from shock. Test GFCIs monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

√ Light Bulbs: Check wattage of all bulbs to make certain that they are correct for the size of the fixture; replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; make sure bulbs are screwed in securely-loose bulbs can overheat.

√ Circuit Breaker/Fuses: Fuses should be the correct size and current rating for their circuit; if you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used; always replace a fuse with the same correct size fuse.

√ Water & Electricity: DON’T MIX! Don’t leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water; if plugged-in appliance falls in water, never reach to pull it out, even if it’s turned off-unplug it first. If an appliance has gotten wet, don’t use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

√ Appliances: If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

√ Entertainment/Computer Equipment: Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors; use surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.